Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are attempting to escape Gaza City as Israel intensifies its operation to occupy the area, with some residents refusing to leave their homes, according to ABC News. The United Nations has claimed Israel is committing genocide in its actions. During the reporting window of September 17th, 2025, 1:46 AM UTC to 2:46 AM UTC, reports indicated ongoing efforts by civilians to flee the intensifying military operations. The UN's assertion of genocide highlights the severe humanitarian concerns surrounding the conflict. This situation unfolds as Israeli forces continue their push to gain control of Gaza City, a phase of Operation Gideon B that aims to secure over 90% of the city's areas within ten days, as previously stated by Southern Command Commander Gen. Yaniv Asor. In the past week, the Israeli Air Force has conducted strikes on over 850 targets within Gaza City, with the IDF estimating the presence of 2,000 to 2,500 trained terrorists. Concurrently, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his stance on Qatar's neutrality in the conflict, stating he never believed it to be neutral, as reported by Amit Segal on September 16th, 2025. Netanyahu has also requested a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington for late October. Separately, Israeli security forces reported killing two Palestinian gunmen and arresting two others during an operation in Qalqilya on September 16th, 2025, between 1:48 PM and 2:02 PM UTC. The Palestinian Ministry of Health indicated a tragic toll of 428 deaths from famine and malnutrition in Gaza by September 16th, 2025, including 146 children. Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot announced his new political party, "Straight! With Eisenkot," on September 16th, 2025. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has characterized the situation in Gaza City as "systematic destruction" and deemed the war "unacceptable morally, politically and legally." Data from Planet Labs on September 5th and 14th showed Gazans displaced by Israeli operations establishing makeshift settlements in Deir al Balah and north of Khan Yunis' Hamad Town. A march was also held in Deir Jarir, Ramallah District, in honor of "Muhammad Alawi," who was reportedly killed by settlers days prior.
